Joe Lhota calls primary election a 'circus' in TV ad

A new ad from GOP candidate Joe Lhota slams his Democratic rivals in the race for mayor.

A new ad from GOP candidate Joe Lhota slams his Democratic rivals in the race for mayor.

"This primary election has become embarrassing, a circus," a voiceover says over pictures of the top five Democratic candidates.

"Being mayor is a serious job and we deserve a serious candidate," the narrator continues, citing quotes about the former MTA chairman's abilities to serve as mayor.

Pictures of Democratic candidates in the ad show City Council Speaker Christine Quinn in bunny ears at a parade, former congressman Anthony Weiner addressing press following his latest scandal, and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio getting arrested during a protest of the closure of Long Island College Hospital. City Comptroller John Liu and former City Comptroller Bill Thompson are pictured with microphones and press surrounding them.

The Wall Street Journal, which first reported on the ad, said that spokespeople for Weiner, de Blasio and Thompson declined to comment on Lhota's criticisms.

A spokeswoman for Liu told the Journal that the ad was "understandable given where he stands against any Democratic candidate," while a Quinn spokesman reiterated her commitment to helping the middle class.